I don’t particularly like change; I never have. I am more of an ease your way into new experiences kind of gal. But, when the request to practice social distancing became part of the solution to slow the progression of COVID-19, I had no problem with it. I had perfected social distancing before it was requested. Many people with anxiety...[ read more ]
Children — and adults — have nightmares for many reasons. Maybe your child wakes up screaming in the middle of the night. Or he often walks into your room saying, “Mommy, I’ve had a bad dream.” Or she demands more and more elaborate bedtime rituals until you finally figure out that she’s afraid to go to sleep because of monsters...[ read more ]
In this harrowing and unforeseen time of COVID-19 and social distancing, most of us are looking for ways to subdue the spikes of anxiety, boredom, and depression from being cooped up at home. Some of us are wondering what our next paycheck will look like, when it will come, and when we will be able to sit down at our...[ read more ]
Many find fulfillment in taking on the responsibility of having a pet and for good reason. Animals have a unique ability to bring us a quiet sense of joy and peace, without using any words at all. Dogs, especially, seem to develop an unconditional loyalty to their caregivers, but all pets have the potential to offer mental and emotional benefits....[ read more ]
Research confirms what many have observed: that nature has healing energies. Studies show we can experience health and psychological benefits if we spend time in the woods practicing shin-rin yoku or “forest bathing.” Twenty or thirty minutes spent in natural surroundings will likely give you a sense of wellbeing and reduce your body’s levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Even...[ read more ]
Most of us experience anxiety. It’s a normal reaction whenever we anticipate what we perceive to be a dangerous or stressful situation. However, for people with anxiety disorders, the constant feelings of worry, panic, and helplessness can take over their lives, making them struggle to carry out even the most mundane tasks. For teens with severe anxiety, life can get...[ read more ]
This week’s Psychology Around the Net shares research on how expectations influence learning, explains how you can fight fear with fear, provides a ton of virtual activities to stay entertained during quarantine, and more! Download This Free Workbook on Anxiety and the Coronavirus: You can add to that list a free workbook on dealing with anxiety. Lifehacker’s Elizabeth Yuko, who...[ read more ]
Anxiety is a little bit like a tidal wave. If you can stave it off early enough, you can save yourself a lot of damage. But if the waters rise to a certain point, it can make you feel like you’re already drowning, with nothing to alleviate the symptoms except time. There is little I can do to control my...[ read more ]
“Forgive yourself for not knowing better at the time. Forgive yourself for giving away your power. Forgive yourself for past behaviors. Forgive yourself for the survival patterns and traits you picked up while enduring trauma. Forgive yourself for being who you needed to be.” ~ Audrey Kitching You can try it all—exercise, a bubble bath, a relationship, a promotion, and...[ read more ]
For victims of domestic violence, the pandemic has made day-to-day life incredibly difficult. Prior to social distancing, shelter-in-place orders, and business closures, victims could at least get a break from their abusers by going to work, taking a walk, or running errands. They could safely use a library’s computer to learn about domestic violence resources and seek support. According to...[ read more ]